Illegal firearms seized in raids at Toowoomba and Tweed

MORE than 100 illegal firearms have been seized during raids across south-east Queensland, including in Toowoomba, Caboolture and Tweed Heads.

The joint Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police (AFP) investigation has resulted in five people being charged.

The investigation, codenamed Operation Lima Harrington, which began in September last year into the unlawful supply of firearms in Queensland.

Queensland Police and the AFP executed a total of three search warrants in Mount Archer and Toowoomba. An additional search warrant was conducted by NSW Police at Tweed Heads.

On 2 December, 2013, 98 firearms and a quantity of assorted ammunition were located on a property in Mount Archer at Caboolture and a further three firearms at another property in Mount Archer. Five people were subsequently charged with a number of offences under the Weapons Act (Qld).

NSW Police provided assistance throughout the operation.

Detective Superintendent Jon Wacker of the Queensland Police Service's Drug and Serious Crime Group believes the operation is a great example of the Service's ongoing commitment to removing illicit firearms from the community.

"This is a tremendous result and another example of the results that can be achieved through cross-agency collaboration," Detective Superintendent Wacker said.

AFP Coordinator Serious and Organised Crime Toni Christmas said this operation is a testament to the ongoing commitment by Queensland Police and the AFP to combat serious and organised crime.

"The AFP and Queensland Police will continue to work together to protect the community through joint operations and investigations, and taskforce arrangements including QPS Taskforce Maxima and the National Anti-Gangs Squad," Superintendent Christmas said.

Summary of charges:

A 69-year-old Mount Archer man has been charged with one count each of unlawfully possess 10 or more weapons (more than 5 of which were Category D/E/H/R), unlawfully possess a Category R weapon, unlawfully possess Category R weapons (two silencers), possess magazine for Category C, D, R or H weapon, insecure storage of weapons, unlawfully supply a Category D weapon and two counts of failure to keep firearms unloaded. The man appeared in the Caboolture Magistrates Court on January 23, 2014 and was bailed to reappear on 7 February, 2014.

A 37-year-old Tweed Heads man has been charged with one count of unlawfully supply a Category D weapon under the Weapons Act. The man appeared in the in the Southport Magistrates Court on 23 January, 2014 and was bailed to reappear on 10 March, 2014.

A 43-year-old Mount Archer man and 53-year-old Mount Archer woman have been charged with one count of unlawfully possess Category A firearm and unlawfully possess explosives (ammunition). Both are scheduled to appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on 29 January, 2014.

A 43-year-old Toowoomba man has been charged with unlawfully supply a category D weapon under the Weapons Act. The man appeared in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on 23 January, 2014.

Queensland Police is continuing its investigation. Further arrests have not been ruled out.

Anyone with any information in relation to the unlawful possession and/or supply of firearms are encouraged to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.